Liverpool are calling on football fans from around the world to show their support for the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster by sending in club scarves.

Liverpool supporters hold a banner during a minute of silence in memory of the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough tragedy (Reuters)

A memorial service at Anfield on April 15 will commemorate the 96 fans who died as a result of a crush at the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest in Sheffield in 1989.

The club said Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool at the time of the disaster, had written to all 92 English League clubs asking them to donate a scarf which will be laid out with those from members of the public on the pitch to form a 96.

"The annual Memorial Service in memory of the 96 is always a moving occasion for the families and survivors," Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group which is organising the memorial, said.

"We already receive so much support from people worldwide, but if we could create what would be a fantastic symbol of unity on the pitch from donated scarves from across the world, this would be a truly moving way of bringing the world together for the 25th Anniversary of Hillsborough."

Former Liverpool greats, including Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Barnes, Jan Molby and Robbie Fowler will also be involved in a charity match at Anfield to celebrate the lives of the 96 victims on April 21.

Dalglish will manage one of the teams in the game, with the former boss and current director taking charge of legends like Fowler, Peter Beardsley, Gary McAllister and Steve McManaman who will form a British team.

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Another former boss Gerard Houllier will manage a team of ex Red overseas stars, with the likes of Luis Garcia and Molby involved.

"They may have put on a few inches and lost a bit of pace, but they will be trying their best to put on a great show and a great occasion for the fans - they will not want to embarrass the families or themselves," Dalglish said.

And Gerrard - who urged Liverpool fans to come along and enjoy the occasion, with tickets going on general sale tomorrow – said it could inspire his team's title challenge.

"What is most important is that we keep in everyone's minds how the fight for the families still continues, but after this occasion if the team can use that to take inspiration for the rest of the season then that would be fantastic," he said.